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  1. Negotiations

EU-India


The European Union and India launched negotiations on a bilateral free trade and investment agreement in June 2007. However, between the governments, a number of controversies have been plaguing the talks. Delhi wants Brussels to relax its stringent food safety criteria which penalise Indian farm and fishery exports and to make it easier for Indian professionals to work in the EU. Europe is primarily out to win major openings of India’s services sector and broad liberalisation of foreign investment, while India does not want to discuss allowing European firms to compete in India’s government procurement market.

Indian social movements, including fisherfolk and labour unions, people living with HIV/AIDS and other health activists have been mobilizing against the FTA. International actions and campaigns have particularly targeted the proposed intellectual property provisions of the agreement, and the impact of the FTA on access to medicines.

last update: May 2012
Photo: MSF

Why agriculture remains a sticking point in EU-India trade talks
11-Mar-2025     Euractiv
India and the EU kick off a new round of trade negotiations, with the aim of finalising what could be Europe's largest trade deal by the end of the year.
Why India must tread cautiously on EU free trade agreement
3-Mar-2025     Firstpost
India is negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU, aiming to conclude by 2025, after a $15.44 billion trade surplus in 2023-24. While opportunities exist in electric vehicle batteries and technology, challenges in the automotive and agricultural sectors require cautious, selective liberalization to protect Indian interests.
EU chief’s meetings in India to boost efforts to sign Free Trade Agreement amid Trump tariff threat
28-Feb-2025     Investing.com
After US President Donald Trump’s threat to hit the European Union (EU), a 27-member bloc, with 25 per cent tariffs, a meeting between the top leadership of India and the EU is expected to give fresh push to efforts to seal an ambitious free trade agreement.
EU pushes for tariff cuts on whiskey, wine, cars in India trade talks
26-Feb-2025     Business Standard
The EU seeks lower tariffs as India's biggest FTA nears finalisation after nine rounds of talks, with the next set for March 10-14, boosting access for textiles, leather, and marine exports.
India, EU to hold next round of talks on proposed FTA from Mar 10
18-Feb-2025     Business Standard
India and the European Union will hold the next round of talks on the proposed free trade agreement from March 10 to 14, a senior government official said.
Von der Leyen announces visit to India
22-Jan-2025     Politico
The EU is keen to reactivate talks on a trade agreement with New Delhi.
India, EU lay roadmap to strengthen trade and investment
20-Jan-2025     Live Mint
Indian Commerce Minister and European Trade Commissioner met to discuss expediting the India-EU FTA, signals a renewed push to advance negotiations on the India-EU FTA, a pact that has faced hurdles over the years due to differences on issues such as market access, tariff reductions and regulatory alignment.
India-EU FTA negotiations a tough nut to crack as key issues unresolved
15-Jan-2025     Business Standard
Despite nine intense rounds of negotiations over two-and-a-half years, progress on the proposed free trade agreement negotiations between India and the European Union is now on a slow track over fundamental differences.
India-EU FTA: Investment chapter to include FDI liberalisation, exclude protection, arbitration
4-Dec-2024     The Hindu BusinessLine
The proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement is likely to focus on investment liberalisation, while keeping investment protection and arbitration out of the pact, to be negotiated separately in a bilateral investment treaty.
Swiss Senate approves free trade agreement with India
4-Dec-2024     Swiss info
The Swiss Senate is in favour of a free trade agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and India. It was the first Swiss parliamentary chamber to approve the deal.